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New Build help please. (Resolved)

agent_numpty

Posted 11 November 2014 - 07:23 PM

agent_numpty

Member

Member

89 posts

Hi,

I built a PC back in September. I had down research, got all the components I wanted that were compatible and I built it. I have, however, been experiencing random freezing and sometimes it shuts down and reboots. Very recently, after the PC rebooted on its own, I've had the motherboard tell me that the "power supply is unstable" so I bought a PSU tester and the readout is giving me normal readings.

I've searched the internet, installed the latest drivers for the processor, motherboard and updated the BIOS. I'm starting to run out of idea on what to do and REALLY need the help.

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iammykyl

Posted 12 November 2014 - 03:33 AM

iammykyl

Tech Staff

Technician

7,047 posts

agent_numpty

Unless you purchased a very sophisticated PSU tester, it can only tell you the output is Ok in an idle state, it cannot test the PSU under load and as the CXm is the bottom end of the Corsair range, I would still say it is a suspect given the freezing and shutdown happen.

Posted 12 November 2014 - 09:01 AM

The message about the power supply came up at the first screen in DOS with the ASUS logo and the option to press F1 to go to Setup in the BIOS.

I used the program HWiNFO64 4.46 with "sensor reading only" but there was no "system under stress" option. This is the outcome:

Not sure how to get a screenshot on here, keeps saying the file extension isn't allowed.

That Speedfan website was blocked by Norton as it contained threats and wouldn't allow me to proceed further.

For phillpower2, the case is Zalman Z11 Plus Midi Tower with1 front 120mm, 1 top 120mm Blue LED, 1 rear 120mm, and 2 side 80mm fans.I've been using the same surge protector and wall socket for many things and never had a problem with them.

I've also visited the ASUS website and downloaded/installed the "ASUS Suite II" it seemed to have detected alot of supporting software that I was missing.

phillpower2

Posted 12 November 2014 - 10:04 AM

phillpower2

Tech Staff

Technician

21,197 posts

Any problem since the ASUS software was updated.

As iammykl said earlier sophisticated equipment is required to conclusively test a PSU and looking at the reviews for the Thermaltake device it is rather hit and miss with even checking the basic voltage supply;

Incorrect description

Pros: None.

Cons: The description says "Power Tester". That is not correct. It is a voltage tester. It cannot check whether a power supply can give the rated current. Voltage X Current = Power.

This device does not test the power supply under load, which is the only meaningful test.

Can't trust it to find a marginal PSU

Pros: Fairly easy to understand.

Cons: A known bad PSU passed all the tests

Other Thoughts: Two system with flaky power supplies passed the tests of this device. Yet those systems would randomly reboot or shut down. Replacing the power supplies corrected the issue, so it was clearly the PSU at fault.

If you have a power supply tester that can't reliably detect a failing power supply, what's the point?

Good cooling arrangement in the case so unless a flaky PSU is heating up the hardware by putting out too higher voltage overheating would appear to be ruled out.

Download then run HWMonitor and post a screenshot so that we have a comparison to the Speedfan results, details from here

To capture and post a screenshot;

Click on the ALT key + PRT SCR key..its on the top row..right hand side..now click on start...all programs...accessories...paint....left click in the white area ...press CTRL + V...click on file...click on save...save it to your desktop...name it something related to the screen your capturing... BE SURE TO SAVE IT AS A .JPG ...otherwise it may be to big to upload... then after typing in any response you have... click on browse...desktop...find the screenshot..select it and click on the upload button...then on the lower left...after it says upload successful...click on add reply like you normally would.

We need to wait and see if the ASUS software has stabilised the MB before looking any further at other possible causes.

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agent_numpty

Posted 12 November 2014 - 11:51 AM

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phillpower2

Posted 12 November 2014 - 12:26 PM

phillpower2

Tech Staff

Technician

21,197 posts

Nothing out of the ordinary there so if the computer remains stable put your GPU through it`s paces with Valley Benchmark (free)) which you can get from here this will test your GPU and put the PSU under load when the GPU requires full power from it.

Posted 12 November 2014 - 09:11 PM

agent_numpty

Posted 22 November 2014 - 06:32 AM

agent_numpty

Member

Topic Starter

Member

89 posts

well, i'm glad i didnt post on wednesday.

i got good and bad news,

good news is i think the software fixed the power supply surges.

bad news is on both thursday and today i had a complete freeze of my pc. couldnt do abything and the pc doesnt automatically restart like it did with the power surges so this could be a completely new problem?

Edit: not sure if it helps but both times I've had a buzzing noise come through the speakers.

phillpower2

Posted 23 November 2014 - 02:58 AM

phillpower2

Tech Staff

Technician

21,197 posts

What sort of load was the computer under when these two latest incidents occurred, buzzing noises coming through speakers when a computer locks up is often a sign that something has overheated, the GPU is a common culprit and one sign may be if your add on video card is also providing the audio.